Author: Team

At FMC International Conference, Pasha Patel Pushes for Bamboo as a Sustainable Alternative to Fossil Fuels

New Delhi, December 17, 2024: The Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC) successfully concluded its international conference on “Just Transition to Net Zero – Role of Bamboo in the SAARC Region” at Deventure Sarovar Portico, Kapas Hera, New Delhi. The event marked a significant step toward promoting bamboo as a sustainable development tool across SAARC countries, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, financial institutions, and civil society representatives to foster meaningful dialogue.

The inaugural session was graced by Shri Pasha Patel, Chairman, Price Commission, Maharashtra, as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished dignitaries included Shri Ajay Shankar, Chairman, and Foundation for MSME Clusters and Former Secretary to the Government of India, and Ms. Rinzi Pem, Assistant Director, Social Window, SAARC Development Fund. Their presence and insights enriched the event, setting the tone for impactful discussions.

Shri Pasha Patel, Chairman, State Agricultural Price Commission, Maharashtra, and Chairman, Executive Committee, Chief Minister’s Task Force for Environment and Sustainable Development said “shared insights on the potential of bamboo as a sustainable resource Citing a study, he said all government thermal power generation units in the country release 5,90,000 MT of carbon per day into the atmosphere, adding bamboo can be an alternative to coal as a fuel for power generation.”

Shri Ajay Shankar, Chairman, Foundation for MSME Clusters, and Former Secretary to the Government of India, said for shared his long-term vision on the integration of bamboo into MSME and development ecosystems. Developed countries have limited scope for change as they have already followed a carbon-intensive path. In contrast, South Asian developing countries have the opportunity to adopt a more sustainable approach.

Ms. Rinzi Pem, Assistant Director, Social Window, SAARC Development Fund, emphasized on developing the collaborative opportunities within the SAARC countries for leveraging bamboo to achieve net-zero targets.

The conference was part of the project “Promoting Integrated Bamboo-Based Enterprise Development among SAARC Countries,” supported by the SAARC Development Fund since 2017. The project, implemented across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal, engages partners such as Women’s Economic Empowerment Rural Development Program (Afghanistan), BRIF (Bangladesh), Tarayana (Bhutan), FMC (India), and ABARI (Nepal). During the event, project partners from Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh presented case studies showcasing challenges, achievements, and innovations, offering valuable insights for advancing bamboo enterprise development.

The conference featured three engaging panel discussions. The first, moderated by senior journalist Naghma Sahar, focused on bamboo industry integration, with insights from Sanjeev Karpe (Director, KONBAC), Anupam Badola (Deputy CSO, Dalmia Cement), Rajeev Pratap Singh (AGM, Rashmi Group), and Sharda Pratap Singh (Hindalco). The second, led by Mehraj Dube, addressed bamboo enterprise financing, featuring experts like Dr. R.K. Singh (SIDBI), Ritesh Sinha (HDFC CSR), Sanjay Sharma (SPMN), and Dr. Ajithsen Selvadhas. The third, moderated by Krunal Negandhi (Jans Bamboo Products), discussed civil society’s role, with contributions from Dr. Prabhat Kumar (National Bamboo Mission), Dr. Ajay Thakur (FRI), Neju George (Industries CEO), and Anuj Srivastava (HCL Foundation).

The conference served as a collaborative platform for CSR leaders, researchers, buyers, and artisans, aiming to create a regional strategy for achieving net zero goals through bamboo-based innovations. It underscored the urgency of cross-sectoral partnerships to unlock the full potential of bamboo for sustainable development in the SAARC region.

Creative Minds 2024: Arena Animation Honors VFX Talent in Kolkata

Mumbai, December 17, 2024: Arena Animation, one of India’s leading animation institute in the country and a training brand of Aptech Limited, recently concluded its Kolkata edition of their multi-city tour for ‘Creative Minds 2024’ — an opportunity for over 15,000 students across India and 600 students who attended the event to showcase their talent and learn from the industry experts directly; out of which over 100 students were awarded in different categories. This annual event celebrates and recognizes outstanding student work while providing valuable insights into live projects.

Creative Minds is Arena’s flagship student competition, where creative minds connect with industry expertise! Through guidance from seasoned veterans and leading industry speakers, the forum explores the vast potential and growth of the AVGC sector, drawing on their invaluable experience. Under the guidance and mentorship of their faculty, students conceptualize and produce films that are evaluated by experienced jury members. These experts provide valuable feedback, helping students refine their work to make it more industry relevant. The competition is fiercely contested, with work carefully evaluated for its vision, implementation, and forward-thinking usage of modern-day tools. The certification signifies merit and thorough assessment by industry experts, making them an essential asset for aspiring professionals who are about the enter the professional realm.

This platform offers students the opportunity to enhance their skills, improve efficiency, and develop the ability to collaborate with diverse teams. The key objective of the competition is to prepare students for industry demands by teaching them how to showcase their work effectively within tight timelines.

The event in Kolkata was honored by the presence of esteemed industry veterans from some of India’s leading studios, including Mr. Rajeev Rastogi, Founder & Chief Business Officer, White Frames Studio and Mr. Krishna Babu (Unni), CG Supervisor, Zebu Animation Studios. These stalwarts conducted interactive, industry-relevant sessions on the use of Visual Effects (VFX) in films, explained the animation production overview and pipeline with the goal to make Arena Animation’s students industry-ready through Creative Minds 2024.

Congratulating the winners, Mr. Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer (Global Retail Business), Aptech Limited said, “Creative Minds is our flagship industry-academia event offering valuable and one of its kind industry exposures to Arena Animation students. This year’s multi-city tour has successfully completed its Kolkata edition, which showcased and celebrated the remarkable talent and creativity of our students in the region. We continue to grow this platform annually, offering more students the chance to showcase their skills. Congratulations to all participants in Kolkata, and to the winners of Creative Minds 2024!”

Arena Animation believes that the future of the Indian animation and VFX industry lies in equipping the youth with the right skills and nurturing their creativity to prepare them for industry demands. Initiatives like Creative Minds by Arena Animation are dedicated to building a vibrant community of skilled animators. This event serves as an excellent platform for aspiring professionals, offering valuable insights into the functioning of the industry.

The next and final stop for the Creative Minds this year event tour will be in Indore on the 19th December, 2024, showcasing remarkable talent from the city. The Creative Minds tour will be continued with New Delhi & Bengaluru in January 2025.

DriveX Accelerates Growth with 30+ Store Launches in Just 12 Months, Revolutionizing Refurbished Two-Wheelers

India, 17th December, 2024 — DriveX, India’s first and largest digital-first auto tech platform for refurbished two-wheelers, is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest store in Bangalore- Varthur. This milestone marks a significant step in DriveX’s remarkable journey of growth, with the Varthur store being one of the 30 new touchpoints established in 2024 alone. These remarkable expansions highlight DriveX’s commitment to delivering unparalleled quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction across its rapidly expanding network.

With an impressive growth trajectory and a surge of new franchise openings, DriveX has captured the attention of both the automotive industry and entrepreneurs nationwide. The franchise-owned and franchise-operated model has allowed the dealer partners to leverage DriveX’s proven business framework while maintaining ownership and operational control, resulting in a seamless blend of entrepreneurial spirit and standardized excellence.

Key Milestones:

● Over 30 new stores launched in the last 12 months, surpassing industry benchmarks for growth.

● A significant increase in franchise applications, reflecting strong confidence in DriveX’s business model.

● Consistent 95% customer satisfaction ratings across all newly launched locations.

Over the last 30 days, DriveX was triumphant in launching six new stores across Chennai, Hosur and Bangalore. Within Bangalore, DriveX has twelve successfully operating stores in different locations.

“Our business model empowers franchisees to tap into DriveX’s visionary service solutions while ensuring they retain full operational oversight. This approach has been pivotal to our rapid growth and success,” said Narain Karthiyen, the Founder of DriveX and India’s first formula one driver “We are committed to supporting our partners and continuing to set new standards in the automotive service industry.” Narain Karthikeyan, as the chief guest, inaugurated the DriveX store launch in Varthur, which is a unit of Highlander Ventures LLP, on 15th December 2024.

DriveX is built upon the foundation of providing customers with top-quality two-wheelers that are as good as new. This paved the path for factory-refurbished two-wheelers with a 1 one-year warranty, after-sales support, finance support, document transfer and more benefits. DriveX has both a digital and physical presence, which makes it easy for customers from all walks of life to purchase their dream bikes. DriveX provides customers with a whole branded experience, reforming the conventional convictions of the industry.

The remarkable pace of DriveX’s network expansion is fueled by its focus on technology-aided top-quality refurbishment of two-wheelers, transparent pricing policies, and streamlined processes that redefine convenience for vehicle owners. The company’s ability to replicate its success across diverse regions showcases the scalability and strength of its business models, which begin with sales or extend further to sales, procurement and service.

Ludhiana Roadshow by Sushma Group Concludes, Marking a Resounding Success

Sushma Group, Punjab’s leading real estate developer, concluded its highly anticipated investment roadshow in Ludhiana with resounding success. Held at the Radisson Hotel, the event witnessed an overwhelming turnout of investors, brokers, and buyers, reaffirming Ludhiana’s significance as a thriving hub for real estate investments.

The full-day event showcased Sushma Group’s diverse portfolio, including projects across Ludhiana, Chandigarh Tricity, and Kasauli. Attendees were given exclusive insights into upcoming developments, strategic investment opportunities, and special booking benefits that were available only during the roadshow.

Commenting on the success of the event, Mr. Prateek Mittal of Sushma Group said, “We are thrilled by the enthusiastic response from Ludhiana’s investment community. This roadshow has allowed us to connect with a wide network of investors and brokers who recognize the potential of Punjab’s real estate sector. We are committed to delivering value-driven opportunities that align with their expectations.”

The event’s dedicated investor meet proved to be a highlight, fostering engaging discussions and productive interactions between the Sushma Group team and prospective investors. Several attendees expressed keen interest in the group’s residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, with many finalizing bookings on the spot.

The Ludhiana roadshow not only cemented Sushma Group’s reputation as a leader in the Punjab real estate market but also underscored the growing demand for quality real estate investments in the region.

Celebrate Your D-Day in Style with Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan’s Tailored Wedding Experiences

Pune, December 17– Weddings are extraordinary milestones, uniting families, celebrating love, and honoring cherished traditions. The choice of venue plays a pivotal role in crafting these moments, creating the perfect backdrop for memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, the right setting ensures joy, comfort, and togetherness.

 For couples planning their weddings between December 1, 2024, and January 15, 2025, Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan presents a thoughtful blend of tradition and modern luxury with ten unique inclusions to make every moment unforgettable. The hotel extends its signature hospitality by offering two complimentary suites for the bride’s and groom’s families for two nights, ensuring unmatched comfort throughout the celebrations. The couple is treated to a dedicated suite on their wedding night, complete with sparkling wine and a special chocolate amenity, providing an indulgent retreat after the festivities.

 To further commemorate the special union, the hotel offers a complimentary stay during the couple’s anniversary month, including breakfast on a weekend, evoking nostalgia and celebrating the journey together (blackout dates apply). Pre-wedding arrangements are thoughtfully catered to with a complimentary wash-and-change room for pre-wedding shoots on weekends and a chauffeur-driven car service for two days, adding ease and convenience to the preparations. Guests are welcomed warmly with the hotel’s signature “Shaadi Ka Ladoo” in their rooms, a sweet blend of tradition and hospitality.

 Culinary experiences at Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan add another layer of delight. A chef-crafted two-layer wedding cake becomes a centerpiece of the celebrations, while a traditional Sajjan Goth for 15 guests during the wedding lunch honors heritage and brings families together. Guests can also enjoy a 15% discount on food and beverages, ensuring each dining experience is as memorable as the occasion.

 For moments of relaxation amidst the festivities, the hotel’s Nilaya Spa offers a 15% discount on its services, providing an indulgent escape for the couple and their families. Adding to the seamless experience, a dedicated team ensures that every detail of the celebration is executed flawlessly, allowing families and couples to focus on what truly matters—cherishing time together.

 These thoughtful inclusions reflect the hotel’s dedication to creating a stress-free and memorable celebration, allowing families and couples to focus on what matters most cherishing their time together. Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan provides a balance of luxury and care, making every moment of the wedding experience truly unforgettable.

Grins & Giggles at Gillco International School’s Foundational Stage Sports Day 2024, Brimming with Enthusiasm

Gillco International School came alive with energy and excitement as it celebrated its Foundational Stage Sports Day 2024, themed “Grins & Giggles”. The event was a lively and memorable celebration of sports, creativity, and camaraderie, designed to highlight the vitality and enthusiasm of the school’s youngest learners.

The day was graced by the distinguished presence of Mr. Vivek Thakur, an International Judo Coach, who served as the Guest of Honour. Sharing inspiring words, Mr. Vivek Thakur encouraged students to embrace challenges, nurture resilience, and uphold the values of true sportsmanship. His presence added an extra spark to the event, motivating participants and spectators alike.

A delightful array of performances and activities showcased the budding talents of the young students. Highlights included impressive Taekwondo demonstrations, rhythmic Hula Hoop displays, and serene Yoga presentations, each reflecting the students’ dedication and enthusiasm. These performances not only entertained but also emphasized the importance of fitness and discipline from an early age.

Dr. Kritika Kaushal, Principal of Gillco International School, underscored the profound impact of sports on holistic development. She emphasized how physical activity fosters mental strength, confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills, shaping children into well-rounded individuals. “Sports teach us lessons that go beyond the field—resilience, collaboration, and the spirit of healthy competition. These are qualities we aim to instill in every student,” she remarked.

The event concluded with a vibrant prize distribution ceremony, where the young achievers were celebrated for their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship. The joyful applause from parents, teachers, and peers created an electrifying atmosphere, making it a day to cherish for the Gillco community.